Google came up with the updated Coolwalk interface for Android Auto in 2023. The split-screen mode has been struggling with a bug since the end of last year that causes the screen to freeze.
Coolwalk not only introduces a new design language for Android Auto, Material You, but also a handy split-screen mode. This allows you to display Spotify and a messaging service on the screen in addition to your navigation app. The system also takes into account the aspect ratio of the screen on which Android Auto is displayed, so that the apps and taskbar are always placed in the most optimal positions. Unfortunately, the feature seems to come with a persistent bug.
Coolwalk screen freezes
Shortly after the introduction, it became apparent that users who activate the Coolwalk function are sometimes unable to operate the bottom half of the screen. However, it is difficult to imitate the bug: in many cases Coolwalk works without any problems, but occasionally the function seems to falter. It is striking that even restarting the app or smartphone does not provide any relief; the user can then simply no longer use the bottom half of the screen.
Google has not yet commented on the reason why the Coolwalk function is stuck. There is currently no prospect of a solution from the search giant. Android Auto users, that regularly is plagued by bugshowever, now have found a solution myself. They have determined that the bug is due to different animation options in Android Auto. These options would therefore cause part of the screen to freeze when you use Coolwalk.
Here’s how to fix the Coolwalk bug
More specifically, it concerns two options that users must disable: “Remove animations” and
“Reducing transparency and blur”. You can adjust the settings in the accessibility options of your Android phone.
However, not all Android phones offer these settings. They are sometimes not available, especially on older Android phones. In that case, you need to set the smartphone animation speed to 0.5x. This can be done via the developer menu of your smartphone. If you are familiar with this menu, you can feel free to adjust it. For all other users, we do not recommend changing settings in that menu.
